May 18th, 2023

Dear Friends, 
Last Friday, I was honored to participate in the bill signing at Martin State Airport with Governor Wes Moore. My bill, SB 231:
Maryland Medical Assistance Program - Autism Waiver - Military Families was signed into law. This bill maintains military dependents on the Autism waiver registry despite relocation. This bill and the other bills that were signed on Friday will help our veterans, our military families and our National Guard.
The final bill signing was held on Tuesday, and I was pleased to have several bills that I sponsored signed into law. They are: 
You can view and track all of the bills that have been signed by the Governor here.
The Severn Center Grand Opening
On Saturday, I was pleased to attend the Grand Opening celebration of The Severn Center! The community has waited a long time to bring this wonderful project to completion, I worked with Mrs. Gathers for many years and through multiple setbacks. The $15.7 complex will house a Boys & Girls Club, a full-size gym, a Senior Center, space for educational programs and community use, and welcoming outdoor space. 

I want to say thank you to everyone who made this happen, Glenda Gathers and Lisa Shore who never stopped believing, Erin Karpewicz and Kathy Koch from the Arundel Community Development Services, Karissa Kelly from the Department of Aging, and Lisa Lindsey Mondoro from the Boys & Girls Club. Also special thanks to Governor More and County Executive Pittman for their support and help cutting the ribbon. It was a great event.
2023 - 2024 Scholarships
Congratulations to the 45 students receiving Senatorial Scholarships this year. I wish them great academic success!

The scholarships are 4-year awards, ranging from $500 to $2,000 per year. They are funded through the state budget. My scholarship committee ranks the applications on the family’s financial situation, the student's scholastic performance, and community service.

Although the deadline for the application has passed, you can find the application on my website, we are still accepting applications and if funding becomes available, we will make additional awards.
Maryland 529 Program Reform
Listening Session
Hazardous Emissions Community Meeting
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will host a community meeting for residents of Hanover and Jessup to share information about health risks from the chemical, ethylene oxide or EtO.

The community meeting will take place in the Jessup Community Hall on June 8 at 6 p.m. During the meeting, EPA staff will discuss revised risk information related to the Elite Spice Inc. commercial sterilizer facilities, located at 1415 Magellan Drive in Hanover and 7151 Montevideo Road in Jessup.

EPA has proposed an Air Toxics Rule for EtO Sterilizers which is out for public comment. The agency is sharing EtO emissions data and information with the public to solicit feedback. EPA aims to improve public understanding of the risk; help states, Tribes, communities, and the industry reduce risk from EtO in the near-term; and hear input as the agency continues to develop regulations to reduce air pollution from commercial sterilizers.

EPA will be joined by federal and state environmental and health officials to address questions, comments, and concerns from the public, including Maryland’s Department of the Environment staff who will discuss work they are doing in partnership with Elite Spice, Inc. to reduce emissions and risk.

To register for this in-person meeting, visit:

To comment on EPA’s proposed Air Toxics Rule for Sterilization, visit:  https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/EPA-HQ-OPP-2013-0244-0044
Unemployment Insurance
My office is continuing to receive inquiries about Unemployment claims. If you or anyone you know needs assistance with their Unemployment Insurance claim, please click the link and fill out our Unemployment Insurance Assistance Form. We will contact our District Liaison regarding your claim.
MDTA Litter/Mowing Blitz
The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration is launching another major effort to beautify state highway roadsides through the state during the week of May 22 as part of Operation Clean Sweep Maryland. The effort will consist of mowing and trimming, as well as litter and debris pick-up in advance of the Memorial Day weekend.

The State Highway Administration performs litter and debris sweeps, as well as regular mowing operations as part of routine maintenance. Maintenance crews will be performing additional efforts in advance of high-travel holidays such as Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day and around the Thanksgiving holidays.
The State Highway Administration is increasing its annual maintenance budget more than 30% compared to last year to nearly $30 million to accommodate additional litter removal and mowing efforts. These additional efforts require hiring additional state employees to maintain the agency’s commitment and level of service.

Motorists are asked to remember that litter and mowing crews work directly adjacent to traffic. As the State Highway Administration continues its litter and mowing efforts, motorists should pay close attention and reduce speeds and distractions when traveling near work crews. Move over whenever possible when you see crews working on the shoulders.

The State Highway Administration appreciates citizens who have reported litter they see on our roadways, and urge others to report issues of litter and high grass on state roads by clicking here or call 410-545-0300.
Region Planning Community Feedback
The Office of Planning and Zoning has begun community engagement for the second round of region plans developed through the County’s Plan2040 general development plan. The regions that District 32 falls within are Region 1, 2, and 3.

For Region 1 & 3: The deadline for comment on the feedback maps is June 30th.

For Region 2: The Draft Zoning Maps will be available for public review from May 1 to June 1, 2023. During this time, property owners or their representatives can file a zoning change application.
For more details about the Region Planning and access to the entire Region Plan map, click here.
Anne Arundel County Public Schools News
APPLICATION PERIOD FOR AACPS 2023-24 PRE-K PROGRAMS OPENS ON MAY 2, 2023

Parents who wish to apply for their child to attend Anne Arundel County Public Schools’ prekindergarten program in the 2023-2024 school year may do so online beginning at noon on Tuesday, May 2, 2022.

AACPS offers prekindergarten programs for 4-year-olds in 58 schools and programs for 3-year-olds in eight schools.

Prekindergarten registration is no longer first come, first served. Applications are processed based on priority groups: income eligibility, students with disabilities, students from homes in which English is not the primary spoken language, and students who are homeless.

Information about prekindergarten programs in AACPS and an online application can be found at www.aacps.org/earlychildhood beginning at noon on May 2, 2023.
Interactive Redistricting Website
 
An interactive web tool is available online (at this LINK) for members of the public to review and comment on a pair of potential redistricting scenarios. 
Comments on the potential scenarios will be accepted through May 31, 2023. Comments to be considered must be left on the redistricting page, not on other social media pages.
 
Dr. Bedell will deliver his recommendation to the BOE this July. The Board has the authority to develop options other than the scenarios presented by the consultant or any recommendation from Dr. Bedell. The Board will select an option or options to take to public hearing this October before adopting a plan for Phase 1 (northern portion of the county) in November 2023. The plan adopted by the Board will go into effect in August 2024.
 
The full press release can be found HERE.
Redistricting continues to be an ongoing issue in our county. If you have any questions or concerns, listed below is the contact information of your elected Board of Education Representatives.
Board of Education Contact Information:

Robert Silkworth:
AACPS Board of Education Member, District 2
(443) 534-5766

Gloria Dent:
AACPS Board of Education Member, District 1
(410) 991-5133

Melissa Ellis:
AACPS Board of Education Member, District 4
(410) 533-7940

Board of Education General Contact Information
BOE Office: (410) 222-5311
MDTA Development Workshop
Mortgage Assistance Program
County Executive Pittman and ACDS Announce Expanded Mortgage Assistance Program. The announced changes to the County’s Mortgage Assistance (MAP) Program would include increasing the Area Median Income (AMI) requirement to 100 percent, making almost half of the county workforce eligible for up to $50,000 in mortgage assistance. The full press release can be found HERE.

For more information on the Mortgage Assistance Program and how to apply visit www.acdsinc.org.
Northern District PACT Unit
Starting in May and throughout the summer, your Northern District PACT Unit will be facilitating two morning Wellness Walks a month.

Join in on the 1st Thursday of the month @ 6am at Sawmill Creek Park for a walk on the BWI Trail or the 3rd Thursday of the month @ 9am at the B&A Trail near the Bruster’s located at 801 Aquahart Rd.

Click HERE for additional information.
Maryland Homeowner Assistance Fund
From the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development:

You may not need assistance to stay in your home, but you may know someone who does. The Maryland Homeowner Assistance Fund can provide mortgage relief, weatherization, housing counseling, and legal services.

Visit the website http://homeownerassistance.maryland.gov or call 877-546-5595.
Interim Office Schedule
We are busy assisting constituents with State issues, awarding Senate Scholarships and attending community and legislative meetings. During the interim, my Chief of Staff, Nancy Lipin Crawford and Legislative Director, Ash-Lynn Randolph will be in the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays and will be working remotely on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns. Email is the best way to reach us, be sure to include your name, address, phone number, and a description of your issue.
 
We are happy to assist you and look forward to seeing you out and about in the community.
If someone forwarded this newsletter to you or you're viewing it online, you can subscribe here.
Thank you for allowing me to serve as your District 32 State Senator!

Pamela Beidle
Senator, District 32
Finance Committee
Chair Executive Nominations